The Enlightenment is also commonly referred to as the Age of Reason. This period, which spanned the late 17th to the 18th century, was characterized by a surge in intellectual and philosophical development. Thinkers and philosophers during this time emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism towards traditional doctrines. They sought to apply scientific reasoning to various aspects of life including politics, ethics, and society.
The term ‘Age of Reason’ highlights the era’s focus on rational thought as a means to improve human society and challenge the established norms, particularly those related to religion and governance. Figures like Voltaire, John Locke, and Immanuel Kant were pivotal in promoting ideas that helped shape modern democratic societies. As such, both ‘Enlightenment’ and ‘Age of Reason’ reflect the fundamental shifts in understanding and philosophical inquiry that defined this transformative period in history.